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A Sociological Study of Health Problems in Africa

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Medical Sociology in Africa

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Abstract

This chapter presents some selected major health concerns in Africa with a focus on their sociological dimensions. The chapter proceeds with the explanation of the social correlates of malaria. Critical issues include the influence of poor environmental conditions, poverty, misconceptions about malaria, and limited access to preventive and treatment measures. The chapter discusses sociocultural factors in the spread of HIV/AIDS as it is noted that they play a dominant role in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Some of the factors discussed include gender, polygyny, early marriage and non-consensus union, traditional beliefs and healing practices, stigma, and harmful cultural practices (e.g., widowhood rites, scarification, and female genital cutting). The state of maternal and child health is examined, stressing that Africa still bears the brunt of the problem because of poor structural indicators. The presentation of a community approach to health care for developing societies is to invoke more discussion about community engagement that can alleviate the burden of disease, especially in Africa. This chapter has links (through cross-referencing) to concepts and theoretical stances discussed in previous chapters, thereby creating a reflective interpretation of conceptual issues in line with some practical realities.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

    Jimoh Amzat

  2. AG3 Epidemiology & Intern Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany

    Oliver Razum

Authors
  1. Jimoh Amzat
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  2. Oliver Razum
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Correspondence to Jimoh Amzat .

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© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Amzat, J., Razum, O. (2014). A Sociological Study of Health Problems in Africa. In: Medical Sociology in Africa. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03986-2_12

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